JSW Group's Jindal Vijayanagar Airport in Torangallu, on Sunday, opened its doors to Alliance Air's new flight operations to Hyderabad and Bengaluru, under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).
The Hyderabad flight was flagged-off by Chief Guest Sri. E Tukaram, MLA, Sandur, Guest of Honour Sri. Pavan Kumar Malapati, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Ballari, Smt Usha Padhee, IAS, Ex-Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Sri. PK Murugan, President, JSW Steel Vijayanagar & Salem Works, in the presence of officials/guests from the Ballari Administration, Alliance Air and JSW Group. The formal launch of the flight operations was preceded by a ceremonial lamp-lighting ceremony joined by all the dignitaries.
First Private Airport to Accommodate Flight Operations:
Understanding the noble intentions behind the ambitious UDAN scheme, JSW Group's Jindal Vijayanagar Airport was the first private airport in the country to accommodate flight operations during the launch of the UDAN initiative and has handled over one lakh passengers in last three years.
The only airline connecting Vidyanagar to Hyderabad and Bengaluru:
Alliance Air is the only airline connecting Vidyanagar (districts of Ballari and Vijayanagar) to Hyderabad and Bengaluru through the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).
Ballari District and Hampi:
Ballari District and surrounding areas are important business and tourist destinations due to the presence of JSW Steel and several other Steel and mining players based in the region. The region also harbours Hampi, the seat of the erstwhile Vijayanagar Empire, which today is a marvelled UNESCO World Heritage Site besides Daroji Bear Sanctuary and Interpretation Centre, Sandur Iron-Ore Mines and Ballari Fort to name a few.
Visually Slide the Flight Schedule and Locations: Alliance Air New Flights in South and Northeast India
This new destination connecting Hyderabad to Hampi, Sandur, Ballari and other adjoining areas will help facilitate tourism and entrepreneurship.
Sri. E Tukaram, MLA, Sandur and Sri. Pavan Kumar Malapati, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Ballari lauded JSW for hosting its private airport as a partner in the UDAN scheme. They said that the much-needed connectivity will not only add convenience to travel to Hyderabad and Bengaluru but will also significantly reduce travel time.
Sri PK Murugan, President, JSW Steel Vijayanagar & Salem Works said: “JSW is committed towards the fulfilment of the government's noble & welfare schemes. JSW shall not shy away from extending its regular support to the government for any airport-related operations. Hyderabad and Bengaluru cities being important destinations for people in the region, these flights will ease the lives of the people of Kalyan-Karnataka & Kittur-Karnataka Region and will further improve the connectivity to the state capital.” Sri Murugan thanked the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Government of Karnataka for extending their earnest support and guidance.
Jindal Vijayanagar Airport:
Jindal Vijayanagar Airport today is a state-of-the-art airport. To further strengthen the existing facility, JSW group has invested Rs. 48 crores in the last three years for airport expansion and the upgradation of its runway. In addition, Rs. 12 crores is also being invested to improve the passenger terminal facilities and safety initiatives, slated to complete in the next 6- 8 months.
